Qantas adds new service across Tasman

Qantas will increase capacity from Christchurch to
Australia to support growing trans- Tasman demand and to better
link New Zealand to the Qantas Group's broader global
network.

A new daily Christchurch-Melbourne service will begin
from 4 December, timed to connect
with onward flights to Dubai, London and a wide range of European
destinations.

Additionally, flights between Christchurch and Brisbane
will grow from three per week to daily from 30 October, timed to
connect to Qantas' Asian and US network via
Brisbane.

The changes are made possible by reductions in domestic
capacity - particularly in some regional resources markets - that
free up flying time within Qantas' Boeing 737
fleet.

Qantas Regional General Manager New Zealand, Pacific
Islands, & South America, Wes Nobelius said the changes were
about meeting demand in a flexible way.

"We're delighted to be opening up more options for our
customers on this popular Christchurch route, and we're able to do
that because of the agility we have across our entire fleet," Mr
Nobelius said.

"We've put a big focus on making sure that we have the
right aircraft on the right routes around the region, plus smart
connections to the rest of our international
network."

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns
welcomes Qantas' new services and sees the airline as a strong
international growth partner for the South Island, with the airline
now offering the largest number of international seats it has ever
offered into and out of Christchurch.

"We welcome the way Qantas is responding to the strong
demand for visiting the South Island and the significant
contribution it will make to the island's regional economies. The
airline's three international hubs offer South Islanders more
connections to Australia, Asia and Europe, as well as more
connections for international travellers keen to experience our
part of the world.

"This will appeal to our high growth markets of China and
South East Asia, as well as Japan, Germany and the USA. This gives
Qantas a very comprehensive network through Christchurch, which is
already experiencing a twenty per cent increase in international
traffic in the first couple of months of this financial year," said
Mr Johns.

Tickets will go on sale today and are subject to
government and regulatory approvals.